1. Defendant's statement of a reason why the plaintiff or prosecutor has no valid case against defendant, especially a defendant's answer, denial, or plea. 2. Defendant's method and strategy in opposing the plaintiff or the prosecution. 3. One or more defendants in a trial.

The court transfer of legal custody of a person from parents or legal guardian to another person, agency, or institution. It may be temporary or permanent.

An assistant lawyer to the district attorney.

State laws that provide for the distribution of estate property of a person who dies without a will. Same as intestacy laws.

The act or fact of holding a person in custody; confinement or compulsory delay.

In juvenile court, a judicial hearing, usually held after the filing of a petition, to determine interim custody of a minor pending a judgment.

Proof of facts by witnesses who saw acts done or heard words spoken.

The first questioning of witnesses by the party on whose behalf they are called.

Now called Judgment as a Matter of Law. An instruction by the judge to the jury to return a specific verdict.

Form of discipline of a lawyer resulting in the loss (often permanently) of that lawyer's right to practice law. It differs from censure (an official reprimand or condemnation) and from suspension (a temporary loss of the right to practice law).

To refuse a gift made in a will.

An attorney who represents the defendant.

The procedure by which one or both parties disclose evidence which will be used at trial. The specific tools of discovery include depositions, interrogatories and motions for the production of documents.

To terminate legal action involving outstanding charges against a defendant in a criminal case.

The dismissal of a case, by which the same cause of action cannot be brought against the defendant again at a later date.

The dismissal of a case without preventing the plaintiff from bringing the same cause of action against the defendant in the future.

Any behavior, contrary to law, which disturbs the public peace or decorum, scandalizes the community, or shocks the public sense of morality.

A final settlement or determination. The court decision terminating proceedings in a case before judgment is reached, or the final judgment.

To disagree. An appellate court opinion setting forth the minority view and outlining the disagreement of one or more judges with the decision of the majority.

The act of bringing to an end; termination. The dissolution of a marriage or other relationship.

A lawyer appointed or elected to represent the state in criminal cases in his or her respective judicial districts. See PROSECUTOR.

Conduct which tends to annoy all citizens, including unnecessary and distracting noisemaking.

1. To discuss, ponder or reflect upon before reaching a decision. A judge will usually deliberate before announcing a judgment. 2. Intentional, characterized by consideration and awareness.

1. The process of removing some minor criminal traffic, or juvenile cases from the full judicial process, on the condition that the accused undergo some sort of rehabilitation or make restitution for damages. 2. Unauthorized use of funds.

The jury's decision-making process after hearing the evidence and closing arguments and being given the court's instructions.

Antisocial behavior by a minor; especially behavior that would be criminally punishable if the actor were an adult, but instead is usually punished by special laws pertaining only to minors.

A motion to dismiss a civil case because of the legal insufficiency of a complaint.

A child who is homeless or without proper care through no fault of the parent, guardian, or custodian.

The act of removing a person to another country. Order issued by an immigration judge, expelling an alien from the United States. A deportation has certain consequences regarding the number of years within which a deportee may not legally immigrate. There are also criminal consequences for reentry within a prescribed time period.

A pretrial discovery device by which one party questions the other party or a witness for the other party. It usually takes place in the office of one of the lawyers, in the presence of a court reporter, who transcribes what is said. Questions are asked and answered orally as if in court, with opportunity given to the adversary to cross-examine. Occasionally, the questions are submitted in writing and answered orally.